Jul 28th, 2016

Burglar steals father of dead soldiers golf clubs

Hours before a golf event in memory of his son

Words: John Dean

The father of a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan had his golf clubs stolen hours before he was set to play in a tournament in memory of his son.

Mark Sheldon was preparing for the Adrian Sheldon Memorial tournament at Brierley Golf Club on Saturday, July 23, to honour Adrian who had been killed in Afghanistan in 2009.

When Mr Sheldon went to the garage of his home in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, to collect his Nike clubs early on Saturday morning, he found they had been stolen overnight.

Investigating officerPC Paul Bacon told the Nottingham Post: "The fact that the theft was only discovered on the very morning of the event being held in memory of their son has been very distressing for Mr and Mrs Sheldon.

"The tournament has become a hugely significant event for them each year since Adrian's death, so the timing could not have been worse.

"I would urge anyone who has any information at all about this burglary and knows of any golf clubs being sold or having been acquired in the area over the past couple of days to consider the emotional impact that this crime has had.

"If you can help, please call 101 and quote incident number 234 of 23 July.

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

You all know the drill.

A local, Daniel Hall, has also set up a Go Fund Me page to try and raise enough money to replace Mr Sheldon’s clubs.

The description on the page reads: “Let’s try and replace the clubs that have been stolen.

“Let’s come together and show the family people do care and enjoy appreciate the sacrifice in which their son made for us.

“If possible, it would be nice to raise money for a new set of clubs and a golfing day of his choice.”